North Dakota Elk Season 2026-27
North Dakota elk season dates start with Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027. The table below keeps every listed elk row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
North Dakota's listed 2026-27 elk season runs Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027.
Regular Elk opens Sep 4, 2026 and closes Jan 3, 2027.
Regular Elk opens Oct 2, 2026 and closes Jan 3, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to North Dakota Game & Fish.
Elk
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E3, E4
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E5
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E2, E1W
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E7
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E6
Elk
Regular
Finalized. Split season. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E6
Elk
Antlerless
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E3, E4, E6, E7
Elk
Antlerless
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
Elk
Antlerless
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E3, E4
Elk
Archery
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
Elk
Bow
Finalized. Lottery app deadline Wed, 03/25/2026.
Zone: E1E, E1W, E2, E6, E7
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Nearby elk seasons
North Dakota Elk Season FAQ
When does elk season open in North Dakota?
August 7, 2026 is the earliest listed elk opener in North Dakota — antlerless elk runs Aug 7-Sep 27, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with North Dakota Game & Fish.
What are the 2026-27 elk season dates in North Dakota?
North Dakota lists 11 elk season windows: Antlerless Elk (Aug 7-Sep 27, 2026); Antlerless Elk (Aug 7-30, 2026); Regular Elk (Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027); Regular Elk (Sep 4, 2026-Jan 3, 2027); Archery Elk (Sep 4-27, 2026); Bow Elk (Sep 4-27, 2026); Regular Elk (Oct 2, 2026-Jan 3, 2027); Regular Elk (Oct 2, 2026-Jan 3, 2027); and more. Always verify against North Dakota Game & Fish before hunting.
Are there different elk seasons in North Dakota?
Yes — North Dakota lists separate elk seasons for Antlerless Elk, Regular Elk, Archery Elk, Bow Elk. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and North Dakota Game & Fish.
Do I need a license to hunt elk in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and elk hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with North Dakota Game & Fish.